Postpartum

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Postpartum

Navigate the period after giving birth with guidance for recovery from a vaginal birth or c-section and information for women who breastfeed or bottle-feed.

Breastfeeding: What to Expect in the First 72 Hours

Is it supposed to be this hard? It’s a question most new mums ask, often to themselves in the dark of the night while feeding and settling their newborn. If you are currently in the depths of those first 72 hours, rest assured that it feels hard because it is hard.

Why planning for postpartum is just as important as planning for birth – and how to do it right

When it comes to pregnancy and birth, most expectant parents spend months meticulously planning for their birth experience. Birth plans are created, hospitals are toured, and every detail is considered. But what about the weeks and months that follow? The postpartum period – often called the “fourth trimester” – deserves just as much attention and preparation.

Cracked Nipples: Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Sore, cracked and irritated nipples are a common symptom in the early days of breastfeeding. However, cracked nipples are usually a sign that your baby isn’t latching correctly. Because your baby will feed frequently in the first few days and weeks (expect to feed 8-12 times in a 24 hour period), sore nipples will get progressively worse unless you seek expert advice and guidance. This is vital as nipple pain is one of the reasons why new mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended.

5 Tips for Travelling With Kids

Travel is a priority for my Australian/Fijian family. We try to get back to Fiji once a year so the boys can better understand and have a strong sense of pride in their cultural heritage. I’m also partial to a margarita by the pool.

Caesarean Birth Recovery

If you’re recovering from a caesarean birth (c-section) it’s helpful to remember that your body needs to heal after major abdominal surgery. Caesarean births are common (roughly one in three in Australia) but significant surgery requires adequate recovery time. Here’s what you can expect in your caesarean recovery.

How to Plan Sleep in Postpartum

There is so much talk about baby sleep – ‘is he a good sleeper?’ ‘How many naps does he have during the day?’ ‘Is she sleeping through the night?’ but we’re missing the conversations about maternal sleep.

What is a C-Section Shelf?

If you had a caesarean birth and you’ve noticed an overhang or a bulge over your scar, we want you to know that it’s completely normal and a natural part of birth recovery. It’s not dependent on whether you had a planned or emergency caesarean nor is it a result of a bad incision or hindered healing process; it’s simply a common side-effect of wound healing.

Postpartum Essentials to Aid Your Recovery

Breast Engorgement

Engorged breasts are normal and expected in early postpartum. If you’ve just birthed your first baby and you’re shocked at the firmness and fullness of your breasts, don’t be alarmed. This is your body doing its job; making and storing breastmilk after birth.

Mastitis

You may have heard some nightmarish stories about mastitis and frankly, it’s not something you want to contend with at any stage of your breastfeeding journey. It’s most common in the first three months postpartum but it can strike at any time, particularly if your baby has reduced their feeds, is starting to sleep for longer periods at night or you’re weaning.

How to Access Breastfeeding, Sleep and Mental Health Support in Postpartum

In early postpartum, breastfeeding and sleep challenges are common and can contribute to anxiety and overwhelm. Unless you have a private midwife, there’s a distinct void of health services in postpartum which makes it challenging to access professional support. It’s definitely beneficial to be aware of this in pregnancy so you can adequately prepare for postpartum.

Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH)

Firstly, if you’ve recently birthed your baby and your bleeding has increased, don’t delay in seeking medical attention. It’s recommended to present to the emergency department at your local hospital and explain that you’ve recently given birth and you’re concerned about your blood loss. You may be experiencing a postpartum haemorrhage.